Ansar's claims look sound

Ansar is the star name on show at Wexford this afternoon where Dermot Weld's remarkable horse can prove how versatile he is even away from his beloved Galway.

The nine-year-old star established himself as a Ballybrit legend with back-to-back victories in the Plate last month to add to previous wins in the big hurdle as well as on the flat.

Afterwards Weld outlined a possible plan to go to Japan next spring for the valuable Grand Jump. Yet, although today's €10,000 two-mile handicap on the level is altogether a more mundane prospect, Ansar's claims for another success still look sound.

A rating of 63 doesn't look unfair for a horse who ran second in the Chester Cup off almost a two stone higher mark and the Plate proved he is still in rare good form.

Riverboatman is also a pretty versatile sort and ran a fine race at Tralee on Tuesday when beaten only half a length by All sorts. Frances Crowley's horse has quarter of a mile further to go now which should suit and Riverboatman is clearly another in form.

The Montjeu filly Massuci can increase her paddock value in the 13-furlong maiden. She wasn't beaten that far at Roscommon on her second start and this looks a poor event.

Carlesimo gets the chance to recover from his expensive misfortune at Galway when he has a second start over fences at tomorrow's Ballinrobe fixture.

Noel Meade's horse was odds-on to follow up a flat success at the festival but was brought down three from home on his chasing debut. He was still in with a shout at the time and he can prove the point now under Denis O'Regan. Soft conditions would be no problem to Apollo One in the two-and-a-half-mile handicap hurdle.